Uk students on returning to university since COVID-19
With restrictions being lifted, students have began their first week back at university. This now includes face to face teaching on campus which has become a reality change for students all across the UK. After a year of online lectures , students prepare themselves for their journey into second year as they set foot into class for the first time since the pandemic.
Two students reflect on their first week back at Birmingham City University (BCU). 2nd year student Madeline Fox is feeling a mixture of emotions since arriving back at a busy campus. "First week back felt really strange, it just didn't feel real. It feels like we should be first years but we aren't. Everything was really busy and it's never been like that before. I still don't know where to go or what I'm doing, I still get lost. I even asked the security guard for help, or just followed my coursemates to where I'm going, but I was excited. I was excited to be back in the classroom, at least, it was a lot better than being online".
Since starting back, Madeline has been able to interact more with her lecturer on a one to one basis for support and feedback. Last year was more difficult to get into contact with any lecturers or module leaders as the only option was via email or Microsoft Teams."Last year I struggled to speak to my lecturer on a one to one basis as they just didn't know who any of us were. In our online classes we never had to have our cameras on which meant that nobody really made an effort. Even if you tried to ask a question in the chat, you would get ignored for all the other people who are also trying to ask for help. There wasn't really a priority on how we were feeling. But this year, I've been really lucky because I actually reached out to my lecturer and I addressed my concerns to him which really helped me. He took his own time to listen and understand me, sometimes that's all we need. If you want guidance you have to seek it out for yourself.. If you don't know it's there, then how do you get the support? she said.
For Lewis Johnson, a second year film student also at BCU, is keen to prioritise his course and build up his portfolio for the next coming year. "My aim for this year is to make connections within the film industry and film footage to help develop my portfolio of work. Last year was very tough for me and I struggled to find the motivation being stuck behind a screen on a virtual lesson. I would wake up some mornings and struggle to get out of bed, for me it was an all time low. Now that we have a chance, I am determined put my efforts forward. Since being back, I have been talking with a lot of conservatoire students to plan and produce videos for their music which I am keen to start. I am going to keep on strengthening my skills in hope that I can apply them for when I find work experience. None of this would have been possible if we weren't allowed back on campus", he said.
As coronavirus is having such a huge impact on all aspects of student life, it is important they know where they can go for support. Studying alone can bring a lot of changes to the lives of students, this can be enjoyable for some but challenging for others. It is often hard balancing the demands of studying alongside other commitments. Students were asked if they feel they get enough support and recognition when struggling with their mental health at university: "I think it's available, but you don't know where it is. The hardest part when suffering is having to go seek for help. If it's not talked about beforehand, you're not going to know it's there. The only reason I know where to go is because I had a meeting with my tutor and he directed me to our student success advisor. I didn't even know she existed before then. It feels like you have to have a crisis in order to ask for help before you're given any", Madeline commented.
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